This home in Goa is a technicolour dream come true

So, we just went ahead and pulverised the interiors completely to create a villa with a 13-metre swimming pool, five ensuite rooms with formal living and dining rooms, a terrace lounge, a TV lounge and a rooftop study.
 

BH: What was the biggest challenge while designing this home and how did you overcome it?

MJV: One of the most challenging aspects of designing the home was finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics, especially considering Goa’s climate and the fact that this home is built on the gradient of a hill. We realised that planning was key and understanding how to make each space practical was a priority. So, I decided to take an online course called “Design Your Own Living Space” by the Inchbald School of Design. The three-month course helped me with space planning, layouts and mood boarding, which are crucial aspects of interior design. The best part was that I could do this alongside my day job and figure things out as we went through the different stages of planning and construction in real time.

I also started following the interior design firms and influencers like Studio Duggan, Serena Crawford, Jose L. Rgez D L Iglesia, The Raj Company, The Nook, Fermoie and Darren Palmer, who does these educative videos talking about different design styles and their history as well as rules for things like space planning.

Thrifting was another important aspect to me. Growing up, our folks were just figuring out how to make ends meet, so there aren’t many family heirlooms to speak of. Goa has a fantastic community for sourcing items, with many people selling old furniture and antiques. I’ve tried to find pieces that have a story to tell and a history to them. 

BH: Can you talk about the challenge you faced when deciding to add colours to all your rooms?

MJV: My initial thought was to paint one wall in each room a different colour, balancing it with white or materials like limestone for the rest. But as I started to plan, I realised that I had more time to work with, which got my creative gears turning. I saw this as an opportunity to explore various options and experiment with different colours by Asian Paints. So, we went ahead and painted rooms—walls, ceilings and all—with just one colour each.

Some people who came into our home expressed unfavourable opinions when the rooms were painted all over with a single colour. There were moments of tears and uncertainty, and some comments felt overbearing. But my husband comforted me and said that if it didn't work out as expected, we could always paint it white. But taking this risk paid off for us and the resulting colour, that envelopes you, feels almost comforting, a cosy cocoon and the light reflects beautifully in these rooms.
 

BH: What advice would you give to people who are buying old homes in Goa and restoring them?

MJV: You must evaluate thorough due diligence the property’s legal and structural aspects. Ensure that the paperwork is clear and that you have a comprehensive understanding of the property’s title. This is essential to avoid any legal complications down the line.

There are four things one needs to keep in mind: Proper planning is crucial. Create a realistic timeline for your project, and remember that delays can lead to budget overruns.

Consider the functionality of your space. Think about how to make it more attractive and practical. Understand the pros and cons of the area and design accordingly. For instance, we decided to invest in an elevator, a significant cost, for our two-storey villa that is designed for short-term holiday rentals because we understand going up and down can be cumbersome with luggage, especially for kids and senior citizens. Don’t limit yourself to mainstream options. Explore various sources and enjoy finding unique items that can make your space special. The execution phase is where everything comes to life. Ensure all elements come together smoothly. If done right, this phase can bring your vision to reality.

All images by Moments Studio